MP High Court Steps In Over Threats to Judge Tabassum Khan, Seeks Personal Response from Top State Officials

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings over the alleged threats and intimidation faced by judicial officer Tabassum Khan after she delivered a judgment in a criminal case. Stressing that judges must be free to discharge their duties without fear, the Court said any attempt to pressure or threaten a judicial officer strikes at the core of an independent justice system.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh directed the Director General of Police and the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary (Home) to personally file affidavits explaining the action taken against those responsible for creating an atmosphere of intimidation.

The Court also asked the Superintendent of Police, Narmadapuram, to submit a detailed report on the investigation and the steps taken to identify those allegedly issuing threats.

The issue came before the Court during the hearing of an existing suo motu matter concerning the welfare and protection of judicial officers in the State. Based on submissions made during the proceedings and reports appearing in the media, the Bench considered the matter serious enough to seek an immediate response from the State authorities.

The Court observed that judicial officers cannot become targets simply because their decisions are unpopular with a section of society. It emphasised that the legal system already provides remedies such as appeals and revisions for anyone aggrieved by a court's order. Resorting to threats or public intimidation, the Bench noted, has no place in a constitutional democracy.

While noting that security had already been provided to Judge Tabassum Khan, the Court made it clear that protective measures alone would not suffice. It said the authorities must identify those responsible and initiate appropriate legal action to ensure that such incidents do not discourage judges from performing their duties impartially.

During the hearing, the State informed the Court that an FIR had already been registered in connection with the incident.

The controversy reportedly arose after Judge Tabassum Khan delivered a verdict in a lynching case involving the killing of a truck driver accused of cow smuggling, following which she allegedly faced online abuse and threats.

The High Court has granted three days for the filing of affidavits by the senior officials and listed the matter for further hearing on 9 July 2026. The Court is expected to examine the progress of the investigation and the measures adopted by the State to protect judicial officers from intimidation.

Case: In Reference (Suo Motu) (Judicial Officers of the State of Madhya Pradesh) v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Others

Bench: Justice Vivek Agarwal and Justice Avanindra Kumar Singh

Order Date: 1 July 2026